Molecular exchange device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a molecular exchange device. In particular, the molecular exchange device comprises at least one fluid passageway and an actuator, the actuator positioned to provide a secondary fluid pathway within at least one of the fluid passageways.

1 . A molecular exchange device comprising:
 at least one fluid passageway; and   an actuator, the actuator positioned to provide a secondary fluid pathway within at least one of the fluid passageways;   further comprising an outer tube and an inner tube, the inner tube positioned concentrically within the outer tube, the at least one fluid passageway being defined by the area between the inner and the outer tube such that the at least one fluid passageway extends along the entire length of the molecular exchange device, wherein the actuator is positioned to provide the secondary fluid pathway within the area between the inner and the outer tube, wherein at least a portion of the outer tube is a porous membrane;   wherein the actuator is in the form of a spiral thread, the spiral thread comprising two or more projections, such that the projections define multiple separate fluid pathways in the area between the outer and inner tubes;   wherein molecules in an external fluid can migrate across the porous membrane into the at least one fluid passageway so as to mix with a perfusate fluid, wherein the mixture flows through the at least one fluid passageway.   
     
     
         2 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the spiral thread extends from and is positioned around the internal circumference of the at least one of the fluid passageway. 
     
     
         3 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the spiral thread extends from and is positioned around the inner tube. 
     
     
         4 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the spiral thread extends from and is positioned around the internal wall of the outer tube and/or the external wall of the inner tube. 
     
     
         5 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator extends partially along the length of the at least one fluid passageway. 
     
     
         6 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 5 , wherein the actuator extends along a portion of the at least one fluid passageway that does not permit molecular exchange. 
     
     
         7 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator extends along substantially the entire length of the at least one fluid passageway. 
     
     
         8 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is positioned adjacent to an opening of the at least one fluid passageway. 
     
     
         9 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the actuator is integral with the fluid passageway. 
     
     
         10 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a casing. 
     
     
         11 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein:
 the proximal end of the device is adapted for attachment to a catheter and/or cannular.   
     
     
         12 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor arrangement to enable spectrologic measurement. 
     
     
         13 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 12 , wherein the spectrologic measurement is spectrophotometric measurement. 
     
     
         14 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 13 , wherein the sensor arrangement is a reflector, wave guide, conductor, photoelectric, electro-active or electrochemical sensor. 
     
     
         15 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the device is a lockable-mating arrangement and/or anchoring member for connecting to an invasive port. 
     
     
         16 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the device is adapted for attachment to a pump. 
     
     
         17 . A molecular exchange device according to  claim 1 , wherein the proximal end of the device is adapted for attachment to an external device. 
     
     
         18 . A method of using the molecular exchange device of  claim 1 , comprising:
 passing a perfusate fluid through the at least one fluid passageway;   actuating the perfusate fluid within the at least one fluid passageway such that molecules located in an external fluid cross through the porous membrane and mix with the perfusate fluid in the at least one fluid pathway; and   withdrawing the mixture from the molecular exchange device.